King Henry VIII London Sites

King Henry VIII is most infamously remembered for his six wives, two of which were beheaded. But outside his marriage life, he’s also known for his role in the English reformation, separating the English Church from the Church of Rome, thanks in part to the encouragement of his 2nd wife Anne Boleyn.

Henry ruled with absolute power, and established himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. So he is remembered not only as a charismatic character, but also intimidating and harsh.

King Henry Attractions in London

Greenwich Palace

Henry was born at Greenwich Palace in 1491. He used it as his main London residence until the Palace of Whitehall was built in the 1530s. His second wife Anne Boleyn was arrested at Greenwich Palace and sent to the Tower of London. It’s also where he married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, which ended in divorce. The palace no longer exists, and the University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban Conservatoire stand in its place.

Westminster Abbey

Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, his first wife, were coronated on Sunday June 24th, 1509. On the day prior to the coronation, Henry and Katherine processed from the Tower of London to Whitehall. On the morning of the coronation, they arrived at the Palace of Westminster and walked from there to the Abbey. Queen Katherine sat on a lower chair than King Henry, who sat on the coronation chair.

Windsor Castle

Henry is buried in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at the center of the choir alongside his 3rd wife Jane Seymour, who historians believe was his favorite wife because she was the only one able to bear him a son.

Photo credit: Diana Urban

Get Your Free One-Page Tudor London Tour Guide

Print out this free one-page London tour guide, which includes:

Top Tudor sites in or directly outside London

Why each London attraction is significant to the Tudors

Which tube stop is closest to each Tudor attraction, so you can easily find each London attraction